Drug Detox can be a difficult process for someone who is struggling with addiction. There are a few things you can do to help ease the symptoms that come with detoxification, and make sure you get all of the nutrients your body needs for a healthy and fast recovery.

Medically-assisted detoxification uses medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe during the process. It also helps you transition into treatment and reduces relapse rates.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common symptom in drug and alcohol detox. It may appear in the form of panic attacks, which are intense and sudden.

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, but those who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience it on a regular basis. They may feel it physically as increased heart rate or breathing, chest pain, sweating and headaches.

People with anxiety disorders tend to use substances such as alcohol and drugs in an effort to self-medicate their symptoms. These behaviors can cause more serious problems in the long run and are often a catalyst for addiction.

The comorbidity between anxiety and substance use disorders (SUDs) is complex. Social workers who work with individuals suffering from both a SUD and an anxiety disorder must take into account both conditions to ensure that treatment is effective.

Detoxification

Detoxification is the process by which harmful substances are removed from a person’s body. It involves removing toxins from the liver, kidneys and intestines.

Generally, detoxification lasts one to two weeks and can cause withdrawal symptoms that are mild or severe. Symptoms can include tremors, anxiety and sweating.

The detoxification process helps to rid the body of toxins, such as drugs and alcohol. It also improves overall health and reduces depression and fatigue.

Many people use natural detox methods such as drinking water, avoiding certain foods and taking supplements or laxatives. While these are great ways to detoxify, they can be very dangerous if used improperly.

Inpatient medical facilities are a better choice for drug detox because they provide 24-hour monitoring and support. However, some patients may be able to safely detox at home. It is important to discuss this option with a doctor so that you can find the best way for your body.

Medication

During detox, many medications are used to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. These include antipsychotics like olanzapine, risperidone, and chlordiazepoxide; disulfiram, which interferes with the breakdown of alcohol; and benzodiazepines, which help calm patients and reduce anxiety and seizures.

Drugs can also trigger a variety of mental health disorders and co-occurring medical conditions, which can make treatment difficult. During detox, patients with these types of issues should be evaluated and treated by experts who are trained in managing both physical and mental health disorders.

Most detox centers have professionals on hand to discuss symptoms, encourage a positive attitude, and provide emotional support. It’s important to remember that detox is a very emotional process, and many people need support and compassion from others while going through it.

Therapy

Drug detox, which removes a drug from the body, is essential for recovery. However, it is only a first step in the journey to sobriety and requires further treatment to help individuals overcome their addictions.

Therapy is the process of discussing the underlying issues that lead to an addiction and how they can be addressed. This often includes individual and group counseling sessions as well as support groups.

In the medical model of detoxification, patients undergo a comprehensive review of their substance use history and mental health problems to determine which drugs they have been using and how much is in their system. Clinicians then use blood tests to assess the level of substances in the body and prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications.

Social detoxification programs, on the other hand, involve patients voluntarily stopping use of their drugs, known as “cold turkey.” These types of programs do not employ doctors and do not administer medications to manage symptoms. These types of detoxification are not as effective or safe as medically assisted drug detox programs.